Red Kites are more common in Wales and Scotland, but have some strongholds in England such as in Oxfordshire, the Shropshire Hills and nearer to home in the Derwent Valley. They are occasionally seen in Northumberland, but this was the first time I'd seen one at Cragside (albeit distantly). They are normally just flying through, and usually at quite a height. Although at first glance they are similar to the buzzard when souring, they are easily distinguished by the v-shaped tail and more streamlined wings. This one was seen flying almost directly over the main house, before gaining height and moving on.